Lexical Summary pikrainó: To make bitter, to embitter, to exasperate Original Word: πικραίνω Strong's Exhaustive Concordance embitter. From pikros; to embitter (literally or figuratively) -- be (make) bitter. see GREEK pikros NAS Exhaustive Concordance Word Originfrom pikros Definition to make bitter NASB Translation embittered (1), made bitter (2), make...bitter (1). Thayer's Greek Lexicon STRONGS NT 4087: πικραίνωπικραίνω: future πικράνω; passive, present πικραίνομαι; 1 aorist ἐπικρανθην; (πικρός, which see); 1. properly, to make bitter: τά ὕδατα, passive, Revelation 8:11; τήν κοιλίαν, to produce a bitter taste in the stomach (Vulg.amarico), Revelation 10:9f. 2. tropically, to embitter, exasperate, i. e. render angry, indignant; passive, to be embittered, irritated (Plato, Demosthenes, others): πρός τινα, Colossians 3:19 (Athen. 6, p. 242 c.; ἐπί τινα, Exodus 16:20; Jeremiah 44:15 Pikrainō centers on the transition from what is palatable to what is distasteful, whether in waters, prophetic experience, or human temperament. Scripture employs the verb to describe both literal bitterness (Revelation 8:11) and the souring of the inner life (Colossians 3:19), reminding readers that sin and judgment corrupt what God designed to be sweet. Literal Bitterness: Divine Judgments in Revelation In Revelation 8:11, the third trumpet unleashes a celestial object named Wormwood. “A third of the waters turned bitter, and many people died from the bitter waters”. The verb ἐπικράνθησαν conveys catastrophic reversal: life-sustaining springs become lethal. The scene recalls Exodus 15:23 and Jeremiah 9:15, where bitter water signified covenant breach. John’s vision amplifies that motif, portraying eschatological judgment in which the created order itself turns against persistent unbelief. Prophetic Ministry: The Sweet-and-Bitter Scroll When John is told, “Take it and eat it… it will turn your stomach bitter” (Revelation 10:9), the verb πικρανεῖ predicts an internal reaction rather than external punishment. Revelation 10:10 follows: “When I had eaten it… my stomach turned bitter.” The message of God tastes sweet because it is truth, yet it produces distress because it announces woes. Pikrainō thus captures the emotional cost of bearing God’s revelations: proclamation brings joy in obedience but grief over impending judgment. The pattern mirrors Ezekiel 3:1-14 and illustrates that authentic ministry embraces both delight in God’s word and sorrow over human rebellion. Figurative Bitterness: The Internal Poison of Resentment Colossians 3:19 warns, “Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them”. Paul applies πικραίνεσθε to family life, prohibiting the slow acid of resentment that corrodes marital unity. The verse complements Hebrews 12:15, which cautions against “any root of bitterness,” and shows that bitterness is not a trivial personality flaw but a spiritual toxin that contradicts Christlike love. Pastoral and Ethical Implications 1. Judgment and Mercy: Revelation’s bitter waters urge believers to flee idolatry while there is time; God’s warnings are acts of mercy meant to lead to repentance (Romans 2:4-5). Historical Reception Early commentators such as Andreas of Caesarea linked the Wormwood trumpet to specific waves of persecution, while Reformers viewed it as a symbol of corrupt teaching. In every era the verb’s force has reminded the church that doctrinal error and moral failure alike produce a bitterness that spreads. Theological Reflections Bitterness, whether physical or spiritual, testifies to the moral fabric of creation: disobedience introduces disorder, whereas obedience preserves sweetness. Christ drank the bitter cup (Matthew 26:39) so that redeemed hearts may overflow with living water (John 7:38). Consequently, believers are called to expel resentment, proclaim hard truths in love, and await the restoration when “there will be no more curse” (Revelation 22:3). Practical Exhortations for the Church • Guard worship and doctrine, lest corruption turn living waters bitter. Related Words and Concepts πικρία (bitterness, Ephesians 4:31), χολή (gall, Matthew 27:34), ἄψινθος (wormwood, Revelation 8:11); Old Testament parallels: marah (bitter, Exodus 15:23), merorim (bitterness, Isaiah 38:15). Through four New Testament occurrences, pikrainō summons readers to heed warning, bear truth, and preserve the sweetness of grace in every relationship and context. Englishman's Concordance Colossians 3:19 V-PMM/P-2PGRK: καὶ μὴ πικραίνεσθε πρὸς αὐτάς NAS: your wives and do not be embittered against KJV: be not bitter against them. INT: and not be bitter against them Revelation 8:11 V-AIP-3P Revelation 10:9 V-FIA-3S Revelation 10:10 V-AIP-3S Strong's Greek 4087 |
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